El Monterey Enchiladas Air Fryer

El Monterey Enchiladas Air Fryer

El Monterey Enchiladas come out hot, saucy, and bubbling in the air fryer—complete with tender tortillas and melty cheese, all without using the oven or microwave. Whether you’re cooking a single-serve tray or multiple enchiladas, this method gives you that fresh-from-the-oven texture in under 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot and Hearty with Crisp Edges

The air fryer warms the enchiladas evenly and crisps the top layer of cheese and tortilla, adding texture to the saucy center.

Faster Than the Oven, Better Than the Microwave

No soggy or rubbery results—just perfectly cooked enchiladas with minimal effort.

Cook from Frozen, No Thawing Needed

Goes straight from freezer to air fryer with no prep.

Restaurant-Style Feel at Home

Great for solo meals or easy Mexican-themed dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 El Monterey Frozen Enchilada Meal (single-serve tray or multipack)

Optional for Serving:

• Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole

• Chopped cilantro or green onions

• Jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Enchiladas

• Remove frozen enchiladas from any plastic film or non-air-fryer-safe tray

• Transfer enchiladas to an oven-safe or foil tray that fits your air fryer basket

• Optional: cover with foil for the first half of cooking to prevent drying out

Step 3: Air Fry the Enchiladas

• Place tray in air fryer and cook at 375°F for 16–20 minutes

  • Covered (first 10 minutes)

  • Uncovered (last 6–10 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese)

• Check that internal temp reaches 165°F

Step 4: Cool and Serve

• Let rest for 2–3 minutes

• Add fresh toppings or serve with rice and beans

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Use an Oven-Safe Tray

Never air fry in plastic. Use foil containers or metal bakeware that fits your basket.

Cover, Then Uncover

Start covered to trap heat and steam, then uncover to crisp and brown the cheese.

Check the Center

Use a thermometer if unsure—the middle should be 165°F or hotter.

Watch for Sauce Splatter

Lining the bottom of the air fryer with foil or parchment (under the tray) can help minimize cleanup.

What to Serve With El Monterey Enchiladas

Toppings

• Sour cream or crema

• Salsa verde or chipotle sauce

• Guacamole or sliced avocado

• Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro

Side Dishes

• Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice

• Refried or black beans

• Corn salad or roasted veggies

• Chips and queso

Storage & Reheating Instructions

How to Store Leftovers

Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

How to Reheat

• Air Fryer: 350°F for 5–6 minutes

• Microwave: 2 minutes (less crisp texture)

Can You Refreeze After Cooking?

No—store refrigerated only and reheat once for best quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are El Monterey Enchiladas Fully Cooked?

Yes—they are pre-cooked and just need to be reheated to 165°F.

Do I Need to Thaw Them First?

No—cook directly from frozen.

Can I Cook Without a Tray?

Only if the enchiladas are firm and wrapped. For saucy versions, always use a tray.

Can I Add Extra Cheese?

Yes—add in the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra melty topping.

El Monterey enchiladas air fryer method: bubbling cheese, saucy filling, and crispy edges in under 20 minutes—no thawing or oven needed. Easy, delicious frozen enchiladas made better with the air fryer.